High-Bandwidth, Compact Free-Space Optical Communications Using Adaptive Optics

AOptix Technologies proposes to build and demonstrate a laser communication system that uses adaptive optics to mitigate atmospheric turbulence. Lasercom systems require accurate pointing capability to direct the narrow optical beam and compensate for platform vibration and jitter. In AOptix lasercom systems, adaptive optics (AO) techniques are employed to accomplish this as well as precorrect the transmitted beam to reduce atmospheric scintillation, another factor critical to successful system operation. In Phase I, a prototype unit enabled sustained operation of a 28 km link between Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and a remote mountain site. Phase II will miniaturize the optical system for aircraft compatibility. Smaller and faster adaptive optics components will be used to advance system capability. Demonstration of atmospheric transmission over long links will be included in the testing program.